When he went into the kitchen the next morning the scene was a déjà vu, well almost. Everyone was sitting, eating, but this time Angelene was cooking, and the room was almost silent. Alec stood for a moment before entering and taking Angelene’s place at the stove, she just smiled and started eating some scrambled eggs. When Alec finished cooking, and started eating everyone else was done. They put the dishes in the sink and left without a word to him.
He knew something was wrong, but he didn’t know what. He lost his appetite almost immediately, and so he started cleaning up. He noticed that it was strange for Rose not to be out here helping, so when the dishes were clean he went to her room and knocked quietly at first on the door. No answer. Louder. No answer. Finally he just opened the door slowly, and saw an empty room. He walked in, a made bed a half empty closet-all that was left were maid outfits. The bathroom was bare.
He felt almost ill for a moment before he heard footsteps enter the room. He turned quickly. “Ro-“ The name died on his tongue when Angelene stood before him wearing a short gothic dress. Her hair was black, her eyes matching. He was stunned for a second, but remembering that he was the only human here he realized this wasn’t as abnormal. “Where-?” He didn’t know what to ask, but the woman understood.
“She left, went back “home”.” The voice was slightly hoarser then her normal sing song voice. She handed him a letter which he read.
Dear Mistress Angelene and Master Dylan,
I apologize for the suddenness of my decision, but what sir octave said was true. I must finally grow up at take the place left open by my late parents. I hope that you will find a replacement for me, as Alec no doubt cannot stay alone with certain guests as you well know. If necessary I’m sure that Aqua would not mind helping out until then.
As for Alec, please send the money that will be arriving next week to his family. He told me vaguely of their troubles, and so this will be my gift to him in apology for leaving so much work for him.
Lastly thank you so much for taking me in after the incident. You all are welcome to visit whenever you wish; you will be recieved with open arms.
Good-bye my one true family,
Princess Rosemary of Castus.
Alec felt himself almost retch. Again. Again he’d made a stupid mistake. “We know that she didn’t leave for her kingdom. After all they aren’t like her. Did you know she left that kingdom to save a boy from the vampires there? They would kill one human each every other month, she saved that boy.” She sighed. “But I suppose there’s no changing what happened. She’ll be married by next month and will never leave that place again.” She huffed before walking out of the room. It was obvious she was actually distressed and not blaming Alec, but he felt so at fault.
“She’ll be married…? I didn’t know she had a fiancée.” He looked at the floor of her room. Such a lame response, as if he cared.
“She doesn’t, but for her to run the kingdom she must be wed and bare a child. She won’t be accepted if she rules a year without a child. Hopefully the oracle’s prediction was false…”
“Prediction?”
“She will die after the birth of her child.” With that Angelene left the room, but Alec followed, grabbing her shoulder.
“What?!” His heart was ramming his rib cage.
The woman’s eyes were watering, but she didn’t make any sound. “When Rose was born her parents went to a fortune teller, she told them “You will die before your age will take you. You son will kill many and die at a young hand. Your daughter will live with many creatures, but if she is forcibly wed and bares a child that baby of dissatisfaction with steal her life.” And thus far it’s all come true, and so… Rose… My dear Rose.” Only now did a sob break free, she covered her face and Alec saw that Rose had never been a servant. She was their child.
Alec clutched Angelene’s shoulders, and the black eyes met his. “You have to bring her back!” He voice was strong.
“We can’t interfere any more, to save her life we would have to take another.” He didn’t understand, but didn’t care.
“Then let me go!” He didn’t care what happened to him, he couldn’t make any more mistakes. Maybe, just maybe, he actually cared about someone outside of his family.
